Who is this for?

Maker of repeating riffs

You want to enter a short pattern on the device and play it back repeatedly. Check that the exact model has a built-in sequencer and that its MIDI connections work with your sound source.

DAW user who listens on headphones

You create patterns in software and want to use keys or pads without speakers. The audio output and headphone socket on your existing setup are separate things to consider.

External synth user

You want to send a short MIDI sequence to your existing equipment. Compare the controller’s connections and synchronisation options with those of your sound source.

What should you look for?

Keyboard with a built-in sequencer

Choose this if: you want to record and repeat melodies or beats directly on the controller.

Bear in mind: features and connections vary by model; a sequencer doesn’t produce audible sound by itself.

Controller for creating patterns in a DAW

Choose this if: you create notes or clips in software and want to control them directly from keys or pads.

Bear in mind: clip control or DAW sequencing doesn’t automatically mean it has a standalone hardware sequencer.

Pad grid with a standalone sequencer

Choose this if: you’d rather programme patterns on pads than play them on keys, and need standalone sequencing.

Bear in mind: check that a grid-based layout suits your melodies and how you’ll connect the sound source.

Consideration What should you check? Who is this important for?
Creating patterns on the controller Look for a built-in step sequencer and check where the pattern is sent as MIDI. According to their manufacturers, the Akai MPK mini Plus and Arturia KeyStep 37 mk2 have a sequencer. If I want to enter melodies or beats directly on the device, I’m looking for a model that can record patterns on its own. Around 40% of consumers give standalone pattern creation top priority.
Listening on headphones Check which device produces the audio and where you’ll plug in your headphones; a MIDI controller sends MIDI information, not sound you can automatically hear. If I want to work without speakers, my existing setup needs to be able to play the sound through headphones. Around 30% of consumers give headphone monitoring top priority.
DAW control Check that the keys, pads and controls work with your DAW and its version. The Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 is designed for launching clips; the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 has keys and pads. If I create patterns in software, I want to control the functions that suit my DAW workflow. Around 20% of consumers give DAW control top priority.
External MIDI hardware Compare the inputs and outputs at both ends, such as MIDI DIN, USB-C, Sync or CV/Gate, and check what synchronisation is needed. If I want to control an existing synth, the connections and synchronisation need to suit that setup. Around 10% of consumers give connection to external MIDI hardware top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Expecting the MIDI controller to make sound by itself

    You’ll only hear MIDI notes once software or a connected instrument produces audio.

    Before you buy, map out the signal path from the controller to the instrument or software, then to your headphones.

    Your setup may need additional software, a sound source or a suitable audio connection; check what you already have.

  • Assuming clip launching and standalone sequencing are the same thing

    Novation distinguishes between the Launchpad Mini MK3 for clip control and the Launchpad Pro MK3, which Novation says has a standalone sequencer.

    Check the exact model to see how patterns are entered, saved and played back.

  • Only checking for USB when connecting external synths

    USB, MIDI DIN, Sync and CV/Gate are different connection options. A connection on the controller doesn’t guarantee that it will work with your other equipment.

    Compare the controller’s outputs with the inputs and synchronisation requirements of your own equipment.

    If the connections don’t match, you may need additional connection equipment. Check in advance what connections your setup requires.

Brands to consider

Akai Professional

The MPK mini Plus is worth considering if you want to enter melody and drum patterns on one keyboard controller.

  • Akai says the MPK mini Plus has 37 mini keys, eight pads and a built-in two-track sequencer.
  • Don’t confuse this model with the MPK Mini MK3; Akai lists different features for the two models.

Arturia

The KeyStep 37 mk2 is designed for melodic patterns and connecting software to external MIDI equipment.

  • Arturia lists a polyphonic step sequencer and MIDI DIN, USB-C, Sync and CV/Gate connections for this model.
  • The Dutch product specification doesn’t list drum pads, so don’t choose this model if you specifically need pads.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4, Launchpad Mini MK3 and Launchpad Pro MK3 support different ways of working.

  • Novation lists 37 mini keys and 16 pads for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4. According to Novation, the Launchpad Pro MK3 has a standalone sequencer.
  • Don’t assume the Launchpad Mini MK3 has the standalone sequencer found on the Pro MK3; it’s designed for clip control.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller make sound that I can listen to through headphones?

Not automatically: an instrument or software needs to turn the MIDI notes into audio. Work out which device in your setup produces the sound and check where the headphones plug in; headphone outputs vary by model.

How can I tell if a controller can play patterns on its own?

Check whether the exact model has a standalone sequencer and how patterns are saved and played back. Clip control on a Launchpad Mini MK3 isn’t the same as the standalone sequencer Novation lists for the Launchpad Pro MK3.

What should I look for if I want to control an external synth?

Compare the controller’s connections and synchronisation options with those of the synth. Arturia lists MIDI DIN, USB-C, Sync and CV/Gate, among other connections, for the KeyStep 37 mk2; check which connections your equipment actually needs.

How do I set up a controller to play a software instrument?

In your DAW, select the correct MIDI input and connect the controller to a MIDI track with a software instrument. Ableton recommends selecting the correct input in Live and checking monitoring or record enable; the exact steps vary by DAW and controller.